Update on ALNAP Working Groups: The Use of Research Methods in Humanitarian Contexts

 The ALNAP Working Group, 'Evaluating the Use of Research Methods in Humanitarian Contexts' met in Geneva, Switzerland on April 1 and 2, 2004. The group was formed on the basis of a proposal submitted to the ALNAP secretariat, which was approved by the ALNAP membership at the Biannual meeting in October, 2003.

The Working Group is a response to a number of converging interests, including recognition within ALNAP that the organization can function most effectively with initiatives from member organizations as well as the secretariat. UNHCRís Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit proposed and led the formation of this Working Group to build on previous work examining why the humanitarian sector is sometimes poorly informed about refugees and other forced migrants. The project leader initially focused on sample surveys as a viable method to learn more. A review of surveys commissioned over a ten- year period demonstrated that recurring problems encountered by researchers in forced migration contexts limit the ability to gather reliable, representative, and valid information. Advances are needed to work within these constraints, as well as adopting appropriate alternative methods. In consultation with ALNAP member agencies, the focus was then broadened to include other research methods.